Lacrosse is a sport that can have considerable physical impact if played at an elite level. That type of play requires more physical and technical performance than many other sports combined. An appropriate training program will prepare athletes for the physicality of the sports and promote flexibility. While there are training programs designed for position players, there are also training programs that will benefit any lacrosse player both in season and out. Lacrosse players need to be strong and possess agility, endurance, and speed. The game is constantly moving and will require a team of players able to endure this level of gameplay.
Lacrosse camp is created as a program to work on developmental skills meant to help shape players into fitter more competent athletes. Each day of lacrosse camp will likely involve a test of skills and endurance that will require athletes to be in the best shape possible to counteract the possibility of injury. Because of their regular workout schedules, it’s no surprise that lacrosse players are some of the fittest athletes in sporting. The primary goal of lacrosse camp is fun. Athletes attend specialty camps because they want to enjoy the fun of camp and their excitement for their sport. Any lacrosse player will benefit from consistent conditioning because it promotes healthy muscle growth.
Lacrosse Preparation Tips
Review your Current Training
Off-season schedules can be fairly relaxed and preparing for a camp schedule that will involve multiple games per day can catch even the best athlete off guard. Review your current training regimen, and if it’s perfectly suited for your continued success then proceed forward. As mentioned earlier, the skills of sports camp are not always consistent with the goals of season play. Camp season will focus on skills training and team building, which means that if you find yourself lacking in these areas, then start planning how to make sure you are in top condition for the summer. Focus your time prior to camp on getting in shape to promote flexibility and optimum endurance. You can be in camp shape all year long by working during your off-season to maintain your endurance, strength, and mental preparedness.
Endurance Training
While most sports require an average endurance and lung capacity, lacrosse players will be required to follow the movement of gameplay. Depending on the style of play executed, a full game length can be quite tiring. For example, riding systems require agility and speed, and ultimately endurance to be able to sustain this routine for the long-term. Because midfielders are the only players allowed to move the entire length of the pitch, they have the most physically challenging play length. Basic aerobic exercise will meet the goals of remaining in top shape when outside of regular team play and training. If you are already in top shape, considering an aerobic exercise that combines more than one type of needed skill could be both fun and beneficial. While you could certainly choose to practice your sprinting, as lacrosse play contains constant short bursts of speed, choosing a rhythmic dance class will work on both agility, footwork, and lung capacity. Remember that not all endurance training is created equally. Make sure that you aim for an aerobic activity that is at least midlevel intensity. You should employ the “talk test” to ensure that your activity level meets this goal.
Strength Maintenance
Because lacrosse is a physical sport, players will need to maintain a higher than average body weight to absorb the possible contact encountered during gameplay. The goal of a fit lacrosse player is to build lean muscle mass. Lacrosse players have lower than average body fat percentages allowing them the ability to maneuver about the field with finesse and ease. Strength training is crucial to building muscle and tone; however, no conditioning scheme should be conducted without proper stretching prior. Check with your coach or trainer for a properly organized training schedule. Plan to work that schedule fewer days during the off-season or in preparation for a training camp. Because the primary goal of lacrosse game is creating a fun and engaging environment to become better acquainted with your sport, work done at lacrosse camp will not require unreasonable physical difficulties that would require a lifestyle change. Players will simply need to maintain their current strength and flexibility. There are opportunities during a lacrosse game where an injury could occur, so being fit and toned will help prevent injury.
Mental Preparation
Entering into a game or season with the right attitude can make a big difference should the tide turn from your favor. A winning attitude is simple when you are winning, but remaining positive and keeping a cool head will require adequate preparation. Make goals for the year. You can commit to having fun regardless of the outcome, but acknowledge that your work ethic will ensure that you do better the next time. Team building exercises are a large part of lacrosse camp, so part of being fit for camp will require working on your communication skills. Since you will not be with your camp mates during the off-season, strive to work on your communication skills with your teammates. Work on listening and being attentive while playing. A positive attitude in the face of setback or discouragement can prove challenging to even the best player, and you may find it is something on which you may need to work consistently.
Sports camp is meant to not only cultivate you into a stronger more competent athlete, but it is also meant to help you make connections and friends in the sport. Much of what you learn in lacrosse camp will be from your fellow teammates. You will get the most out of camp if you are in good shape and mentally sharp with a great attitude.